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Question:
I'm looking for best practice ideas or campaign strategies that have raised funds for a specific project such as information technologyAnswer:
One new trend we have seen in the public phase of campaigns is the use of social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. These tools may be particularly useful for you since you are raising money for information technology. You can use facebook, twitter, and other sites to raise public awareness of your campaign and allow online users to join groups and/or receive instant updates about your campaign goals and progress. This is a long-term strategy for many organizations.
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Top Gifts of the Week
* $12 million from Lewis M. and Faye Manderson to the University of Alabama to provide support to the Manderson School of Business. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, June 23, 2009)
* $10 million matching grant from Lisa Maria and Philip A. Falcone to Joshua David’s Friends of the High Line for the preservation of the High Line building, in New York City. (The New York Times, June 29, 2009)
* $6 million from a former trustee who wishes to remain anonymous to Marian University Indianapolis for the support of the continued growth of the college. (InsideIndianaBusiness.com, June 29, 2009)
*$5 million from an anonymous donor to Grady Health System for their “Greater Grady Campaign” which will support the modernization of all aspects of healthcare delivery. (Grady Health System, June 26, 2009)
Top News Stories of the Week
* A report released by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy indicated that the foundations hardest hit by the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme were led by boards with six or fewer members. Of the 150 foundations that the New York Times listed as victims of the Madoff scheme, 105 had a median board size of 3 members, and lost at least 30% of their assets, with some losing everything. (The Chronicle of Philanthropy, June 25, 2009)
* In light of the recent slowing of philanthropic giving, some organizations are turning to less conventional means of fundraising. Rather than have a few lavish events each year, some charities are opting for offering inexpensive items for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the fundraising effort. Dan Hoffman, one of the founders of “I’m Tired of…”, has begun to sell bracelets and t-shirts that reference each of the 14 charities that he is currently assisting with fundraising, which has helped earn funds, a little at a time. This strategy brings in less money per transaction, but with more donors willing to spend a little bit of money, the overall effect is successful fundraising. (PRWeb.com, June 29, 2009)
* The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges reports that many colleges and universities are taking advantage of a new law that allows them to have more of a say in how they spend “underwater” funds. Prior to 2006, they were restricted by donor specifications of how a gift could be spent, but the new law allows the institutions to spend their endowments where they believe that they would have the most impact. (The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 30, 2009)
Wonderful, practical guide that every professional will find valuable
""A ‘must read’ for fundraisers, regardless of their experience. Easy to read, well
written, and to the point, this book will become the manual for professionals and
volunteers in development." --Daniel T. Gura, vice president for development and
university relations, The University of Tampa. Order online by going here.
Case Study Central
Increased unrestricted operating dollars
FRI helped one national organization develop a branded fundraising system for its
local affiliates. As a result, participating affiliates raised 150% more money,
had greater board and volunteer involvement in their fundraising, and increased
their donor bases by an average of 25%.
Read More
Ask BEE’s advice produces a more than 50% increase in phonathon results
One University’s annual fund was growing but still small in size. Their Development
Associate sought advice on how to make a dramatic increased in dollars raised during
their phonathon. Based upon advice from Ask BEE, the development officer successful
developed a challenge gift strategy which resulted in an immediate increase in 50%
and could more than double the total dollars raised in the next three years. Read More